Pioneer Press 2018 football preview: Libertyville Wildcats

Ben Lopez returns as a top receiving target for Libertyville. (Judy Fidkowski / Lake County News-Sun)

Jon J. KerrPioneer Press

Coach: Mike Jones (seventh season)

Last season: 5-5 (4-3 North Suburban Conference), lost to East St. Louis 62-7 in Class 7A first round.

First-and-10: The offense returns two experienced linemen in seniors Bryan Bystol (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) and Alex Black (6-3, 250). Senior wide receivers Jack Turco (6-3, 190) and Ben Lopez (5-11, 180) also return, but the player expected to carry the load is senior running back Niko Christensen. A former quarterback, Christensen was the team’s second-leading rusher in 2017 behind Brendan Bazar. Libertyville expects to use the versatile Christensen (6-1, 180) in the running and passing games. “He has some experience, and that’s a good thing,” Jones said.

Three-and-out: Jones likes tall defensive backs, and the Wildcats have one in 6-2 senior Brendan Bowlby. A converted wide receiver, Bowlby will play corner in 2018. “He’s just an athlete and we think it’s a good fit for him,” Jones said. Senior Jon Palmieri (6-0, 200), a defensive end a year ago in the Wildcats’ 4-2-5 scheme, returns and gives Libertyville experience and size on the edge.

Keep an eye on: The quarterback position. Junior Thomas Monken (6-0, 175) and sophomore Blake Ellingson (6-1, 185) competed for the job throughout the summer and during fall camp. Both have similar skill sets, Jones said, but neither has started a varsity game. “Someone needs to win the job,” Jones said. “If one guy doesn’t, I’m not opposed to playing both.” Monken is the younger brother of former Libertyville quarterback Anthony Monken. The last time the Wildcats went deep into camp without a true starter was 2013, when Monken, Jake Mansfield and Riley Lees competed for the starting position.

Game to watch: Aug. 24 vs. Highland Park. Jones has stated the importance of improving from Week 1 to Week 2. A decision on a starting quarterback for the remainder of the season may be more certain after facing the Giants.